none, , Correspondencer
City `Roetin9_AIL
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayor
FRANK E. HILL
Mayor Pro Tem
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilmember
JODY MURDOCK
Councilmember
GODFREY PERNELL, D.D.S.
Councilmember
August 26, 1997
•
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX: (310) 377-7288
Mr. Stanley Lamport
Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP
2049 Century Park East, 28th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067-3284
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 545A, CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED REQUESTS FOR SITE PLAN
REVIEW APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE TO PERMIT AN ENCROACHMENT INTO THE FRONT
YARD SETBACK FOR A STABLE AND CORRAL BY THE INABILITY
OF THE COMMISSION TO MAKE AFFIRMATIVE FINDINGS ON
THE APPLICATIONS BY MAJORITY VOTE. MS. KELLY TSOU, 6
RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF).
Dear Mr. Lamport:
At the City Council meeting held Monday, August 25, 1997, City Councilmembers
continued the above referenced public hearing to October 13, 1997.
The City Council considered your written request to continue this case to September
8, 1997. However, members of the City Council that were involved in formulating
the technical questions that you are responding to relative to this case (attached) are
unable to attend the City Council meetings during the month of September.
Additionally, just prior to the meeting, Mr. Doug McHattie of South Bay
Engineering indicated that, after conferring with you, there would be no objection to
continuing this case to October 13, 1997.
We look forward to receiving your responses to the enclosed letter as soon as
possible. We will need at least four separate copies of your response. We will
transmit a copy of the report to the County of Los Angeles for their review and to
members of the public that have expressed concern about this case.
®Printed on Recycled Paper.
Mr. Stanley Lamport
August 26,1997
Page 2
Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at the City Council
meeting on Monday, October 13, 1997, beginning 7:30 p.m. in the Rolling Hills City
Council Chambers, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills.
Sincerely,
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
08/26/971amport.ltr
cc: City Council
Ms. Lola Ungar, Planning Director
Ms. Lata Thakar, District Engineer
Mr. Robert Thomas, L.A. County
Ms. Kelly Tsou
Mr. Doug McHattie
Mr. Roger North
Dr. & Mrs. Alfred Marrone
Mr. Bill Horn
Dr. Gordon Schaye
Mr. Charles Raine
Mr. Ron Dessy
Mr. Paul Bussey, City Manager, RPV
Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Hartwig
Mr. John McCarthy, Chairman
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard
Abatement District
Mr. and Mrs. James Dederer
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hummel
Mrs. Gwendolyn Tucker
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Lanman
Mr. Patrick L. Wilson/Ms. Nancy Ann Bell
Ms. Peggy Minor, RHCA Manager
NCay 0/ Polling ihit
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayer
FRAM(HILL
Moyer Pro Tom
THOUP.3 F. tiSHElf AEA
Councknomber
JOOY MJRDOCK
Cou ndknembor
GOOFRBY PERNELL, D.D.S.
Gvwndmeml»r
•
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1937
NO.2 POATUOuESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 90274
(3101377.1 b21
FAX: (3101377•728
Emait cttythP44o1.com
July 16,1997
Mr. Stanley Lamport
Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP
2049 Century Park East, Twenty-eight Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067-3284
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 545A, CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED REQUESTS FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENCE AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO PERMIT
AN ENCROACHMENT INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK FOR A
STABLE AND CORRAL BY THE INABILITY OF THE COMMISSION TO
MAKE AFFIRMATIVE FINDINGS ON THE APPLICATIONS BY MAJORITY
VOTE. MS. KELLY TSOU, 6 RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF).
Dear Mr. Lamport:
At the regular meeting of the Rolling Hills City Council held Monday, July 14, 1997, the
City Council continued consideration of the above referenced case to Monday, August 25,
1997. This hearing will be held in the Rolling Hills City Council Chambers, 2 Portuguese
Bend Road, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
As discussed at the meeting, you were directed to provide a report(s) addressing the
following concerns. We will distribute this material to our soils and geology
representatives at the County of Los Angeles, as well as the interested parties for their
review and comment prior to the hearing on August 25th.
Specifically, your report(s) should focus on:
♦ Effects of hydrology --how drainage will move from the property over time due to its
proximity to the properties below and an evaluation of any possible disproportionate
effect of that flow based upon this proximity. You should focus on 10, 20 and 50 year
storm scenarios.
♦ Bedrock and recompaction issues --proof of bedrock and compaction above bedrock,
proof of actual recompaction area necessary for completion of this project. The proof of
bedrock should focus on the depth of the bedrock over a larger area than was presented
at the hearing on July 14th.
P..nted on Pecycted Pape.
Mr. Stanley Lamport
July 16,1997
Page 2
• Stages of grading-- a graphic representation of proposed grading activities on the
property over time. Perhaps, you could create grading maps which would show five
stages of grading at 20% intervals until completion. This study should demonstrate
where excavated soil will be stored on the property, the total volume amount of soil to
be moved during the cut and fill process, depth of cuts, height of fills and procedures
that will be taken to ensure that soil and debris will not enter or deface the canyon
below the property. Additionally, you should carefully demonstrate how far down the
slopes the grading and soil modifications will occur at every interval of this process.
• Stable location --an additional stable location that would not necessitate a Variance. Be
sure to evaluate this location in terms of its proximity to the residence (35 feet from
residence and 25 feet from property line required), and the ability to provide vehicular
access to the stable at a 4:1 (25% slope).
♦ Quantity of hardscape--a detailed drawing of the quantity of hardscape.
• Distance from Flying Triangle --there has been some difference of opinion as to the
distance between this property, the proposed graded area and the Flying Triangle. Your
demonstration of this distance in graphic form will be appreciated.
We would appreciate having this information submitted to the City no later than
Wednesday, August 6, 1997. If you are unable to meet this deadline, please call us at your
earliest convenience.
Thank you for your cooperation. If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate
to call.
Sincerely,
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
c, u.r. (..,-n n.
cc: City Council
Ms. Lola Ungar, Planning Director
Ms. Kelly Tsou
Mr. Doug McHattie
Mr. Roger North
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Marrone
Mr. Bill Horn
Dr. Gordon Schaye
Mr. Charles Raine
Mr. Ron Dessy
Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Hartwig
Mr. John McCarthy, Chairman
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement
District
Mr. and Mrs. James Dederer
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hummel
Mrs. Gwendolyn Tucker
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Lanman
Mr. Patrick L. Wilson/Ms. Nancy Ann Bell
t
DDDCity Oy �O�>G`•n�}L[.iL� INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayor
FRANK E. HILL
Mayor Pro Tem
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilmember
JODY MURDOCK
Councilmember
GODFREY PERNELL, D.D.S.
Councilmember
August 26, 1997
Mr. John McCarthy, Chairman
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement District
P.O. Box 7000-142
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX: (310) 377-7288
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 545A, CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED REQUESTS FOR SITE PLAN
REVIEW APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE TO PERMIT AN ENCROACHMENT INTO THE FRONT
YARD SETBACK FOR A STABLE AND CORRAL BY THE INABILITY
OF THE COMMISSION TO MAKE AFFIRMATIVE FINDINGS ON
THE APPLICATIONS BY MAJORITY VOTE. MS. KELLY TSOU, 6
RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF).
Dear Mr. McCarthy:
At the City Council meeting held Monday, August 25, 1997, City Councilmembers
continued the above referenced case to the City Council meeting to be held on
Monday, October 13, 1997.
At the meeting, it was reported that a member of the City Council, who was
instrumental in creating the technical questions to be answered by the applicant,
would not be able to attend the City Council meetings during the month of
September. Additionally, a representative of the applicant previously expressed to
staff that they would not object to this appeal hearing being continued to October 13,
1997.
You will be forwarded a copy of the applicant's responses to the questions in the
attached letter. We have also enclosed a copy of the correspondence that we have
sent to the applicant's representative regarding this continuance.
®Printed On Recycled Paper.
t
Mr. John McCarthy
August 26, 1997
Page 2
Therefore, this appeal will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on
Monday, October 13, 1997, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Rolling Hills City Council
Chambers, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills. Should you wish to discuss this
further, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
c$1 114
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
08/26/97tsoucontinue.ltrs
cc: City Council
Ms. Lola Ungar, Planning Director
Robert Thomas, L.A. County
Ms. Kelly Tsou
Mr. Stanley Lamport
Mr. Doug McHattie
Mr. Roger North
Mr. Bill Horn •
Dr. Gordon Schaye
Mr. Charles Raine
Mr. Ron Dessy
Mr. Paul Bussey, City Manager, RPV
Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Hartwig
Mr. John McCarthy, Chairman
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard
Abatement District
Mr. and Mrs. James Dederer
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hummel
Mrs. Gwendolyn Tucker
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Lanman
Mr. Patrick L. Wilson/Ms. Nancy Ann Bell
•City ot Rolling
S. ALLEN LAY
Wry
MAW E. HILL
Wror Pro Tun
THOW.S F. HEINSHEIMER
Coin rnombor
JODY I,IURDOCK
Cocndim+mbisr
GODFREY PERNELL, D.0.S.
Counclimomber
I
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1937
NO.2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 110274
(310) 377.1521
FAX 0101377.72110
E•m&It c►tyo(rt+4*olcom
July 16,1997
Mr. Stanley Lamport
Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP
2049 Century Park East, Twenty-eight Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067-3284
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO, 545A, CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED REQUESTS FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENCE AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO PERMIT
AN ENCROACHMENT INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK FOR A
STABLE AND CORRAL BY THE INABILITY OF THE COMMISSION TO
MAKE AFFIRMATIVE FINDINGS ON THE APPLICATIONS BY MAJORITY
VOTE. MS. KELLY TSOU, 6 RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF).
Dear Mr. Lamport:
At the regular meeting of the Rolling Hills City Council held Monday, July 14, 1997, the
City Council continued consideration of the above referenced case to Monday, August 25,
1997. This hearing will be held in the Rolling Hills City Council Chambers, 2 Portuguese
Bend Road, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
As discussed at the meeting, you were directed to provide a report(s) addressing the
following concerns. We will distribute this material to our soils and geology
representatives at the County of Los Angeles, as well as the interested parties for their
review and comment prior•to the hearing on August 25th.
Specifically, your report(s) should focus on:
♦ Effects of hydrology --how drainage will move from the property over time due to its
proximity to the properties below and an evaluation of any possible disproportionate
effect of that flow based upon this proximity. You should focus on 10, 20 and 50 year
storm scenarios.
• Bedrock and recompaction issues --proof of bedrock and compaction above bedrock,
proof of actual recompaction area necessary for completion of this project. The proof of
bedrock should focus on the depth of the bedrock over a larger area than was presented
at the hearing on July 14th.
Pr."te0 or Recycietl Pape,
Mr. Stanley Lamport
July 16,1997
Page 2
• Stages of grading-- a graphic representation of proposed grading activities on the
property over time. Perhaps, you could create grading maps which would show five
stages of grading at 20% intervals until completion. This study should demonstrate
where excavated soil will be stored on the property, the total volume amount of soil to
be moved during the cut and fill process, depth of cuts, height of fills and procedures
that will be taken to ensure that soil and debris will not enter or deface the canyon
below the property. Additionally, you should carefully demonstrate how far down the
slopes the grading and soil modifications will occur at every interval of this process.
• Stable location --an additional stable location that would not necessitate a Variance. Be
sure to evaluate this location in terms of its proximity to the residence (35 feet from
residence and 25 feet from property line required), and the ability to provide vehicular
access to the stable at a 4:1 (25% slope).
• Quantity of hardscape--a detailed drawing of the quantity of hardscape.
• Distance from Flying Triangle --there has been some difference of opinion as to the
distance between this property, the proposed graded area and the Flying Triangle. Your
demonstration of this distance in graphic form will be appreciated.
We would appreciate having this information submitted to the City no later than
Wednesday, August 6, 1997. If you are unable to meet this deadline, please call us at your
earliest convenience.
Thank you for your cooperation. If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate
to call.
Sincerely,
5X1(lk
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
C J .r. Y-,an a,
cc: City Council
Ms. Lola Ungar, Planning Director
Ms. Kelly Tsou
Mr. Doug McHattie
Mr. Roger North
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Marrone
Mr. Bill Horn
Dr. Gordon Schaye
Mr. Charles Raine
Mr. Ron Dessy
Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Hartwig
Mr. John McCarthy, Chairman
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement
District
Mr. and Mrs. James Dederer
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hummel
Mrs. Gwendolyn Tucker
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Unman
Mr. Patrick L. Wilson/Ms. Nancy Ann Bell
Cityolallin 9.�tr.
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayor
FRANK E. HILL
Mayor Pro Tern
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilmember
JODY MURDOCK
Councilmember
GODFREY PERNELL, D.D.S.
Councilmember
August 26, 1997
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX: (310) 377-7288
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Marrone
17 Southfield Drive
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 545A, CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED REQUESTS FOR SITE PLAN
REVIEW APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE TO PERMIT AN ENCROACHMENT INTO THE FRONT
YARD SETBACK FOR A STABLE AND CORRAL BY THE INABILITY
OF THE COMMISSION TO MAKE AFFIRMATIVE FINDINGS ON
THE APPLICATIONS BY MAJORITY VOTE. MS. KELLY TSOU, 6
RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF).
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Marrone:
At the City Council meeting held Monday, August 25, 1997, City Councilmembers
continued the above referenced case to the City Council meeting to be held on
Monday, October 13, 1997.
At the meeting, it was reported that a member of the City Council, who was
instrumental in creating the technical questions to be answered by the applicant,
would not be able to attend the City Council meetings during the month of
September. Additionally, a representative of the applicant previously expressed to
staff that they would not object to this appeal hearing being continued to October 13,
1997.
You will be forwarded a copy of the applicant's responses to the questions in the
attached letter. We have also enclosed a copy of the correspondence that we have
sent to the applicant's representative regarding this continuance.
Printed on Recycled Paper.
• •
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Marrone
August 26,1997
Page 2
Therefore, this appeal will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on
Monday, October 13, 1997, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Rolling Hills City Council
Chambers, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills. Should you wish to discuss this
further, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
5'4'4
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
08/26/97tsoucontinue.ltrs
cc: City Council
Ms. Lola Ungar, Planning Director
Robert Thomas, L.A. County
Ms. Kelly Tsou
Mr. Stanley Lamport
Mr. Doug McHattie
Mr. Roger North
Mr. Bill Horn
Dr. Gordon Schaye
Mr. Charles Raine
Mr. Ron Dessy
Mr. Paul Bussey, City Manager, RPV
Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Hartwig
Mr. John McCarthy, Chairman
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard
Abatement District
Mr. and Mrs. James Dederer
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hummel
Mrs. Gwendolyn Tucker
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Lanman
Mr. Patrick L. Wilson/Ms. Nancy Ann Bell
(Ctfy � Rolling
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayor
FRANK E. HILL
Mayor Pro Tom
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councimembor
JODY MURDOCK
CotN dknembet
GODFREY PERNELL O.O.S.
Cc mcilmembor
•
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO.2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377.1521
FAX 13101377.72BB
E•mait citydrttlaol.com
July 16,1997
Mr. Stanley Lamport
Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP
2049 Century Park East, Twenty-eight Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067-3284
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 545A, CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED REQUESTS FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENCE AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO PERMIT
AN ENCROACHMENT INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK FOR A
STABLE AND CORRAL BY THE INABILITY OF THE COMMISSION TO
MAKE AFFIRMATIVE FINDINGS ON THE APPLICATIONS BY MAJORITY
VOTE. MS. KELLY TSOU, 6 RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF).
Dear Mr. Lamport:
At the regular meeting of the Rolling Hills City Council held Monday, July 14, 1997, the
City Council continued consideration of the above referenced case to Monday, August 25,
1997. This hearing will be held in the Rolling Hills City Council Chambers, 2 Portuguese
Bend Road, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
As discussed at the meeting, you were directed to provide a report(s) addressing the
following concerns. We will distribute this material to our soils and geology
representatives at the County of Los Angeles, as well as the interested parties for their
review and comment prior to the hearing on August 25th.
Specifically, your report(s) should focus on:
♦ Effects of hydrology --how drainage will move from the property over time due to its
proximity to the properties below and an evaluation of any possible disproportionate
effect of that flow based upon this proximity. You should focus on 10, 20 and 50 year
storm scenarios.
• Bedrock and recompaction issues --proof of bedrock and compaction above bedrock,
proof of actual recompaction area necessary for completion of this project. The proof of
bedrock should focus on the depth of the bedrock over a larger area than was presented
at the hearing on July 14th.
Pnnted on Pecycied Pape.
Mr. Stanley Lamport
July 16,1997
Page 2
♦ Stages of grading-- a graphic representation of proposed grading activities on the
property over time. Perhaps, you could create grading maps which would show five
stages of grading at 20% intervals until completion. This study should demonstrate
where excavated soil will be stored on the property, the total volume amount of soil to
be moved during the cut and fill process, depth of cuts, height of fills and procedures
that will be taken to ensure that soil and debris will not enter or deface the canyon
below the property. Additionally, you should carefully demonstrate how far down the
slopes the grading and soil modifications will occur at every interval of this process.
♦ Stable location --an additional stable location that would not necessitate a Variance. Be
sure to evaluate this location in terms of its proximity to the residence (35 feet from
residence and 25 feet from property line required), and the ability to provide vehicular
access to the stable at a 4:1 (25% slope).
♦ Quantity of hardscape--a detailed drawing of the quantity of hardscape.
• Distance from Flying Triangle --there has been some difference of opinion as to the
distance between this property, the proposed graded area and the Flying Triangle. Your
demonstration of this distance in graphic form will be appreciated.
We would appreciate having this information submitted to the City no later than
Wednesday, August 6, 1997. If you are unable to meet this deadline, please call us at your
earliest convenience.
Thank you for your cooperation. If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate
to call.
Sincerely,
51MQ
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
�. israyen u.
cc: City Council
Ms. Lola Ungar, Planning Director
Ms. Kelly Tsou
Mr. Doug McHattie
Mr. Roger North
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Marrone
Mr. Bill Horn
Dr. Gordon Schaye
Mr. Charles Raine
Mr. Ron Dessy
Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Hartwig
Mr. John McCarthy, Chairman
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement
District
Mr. and Mrs. James Dederer
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hummel
Mrs. Gwendolyn Tucker
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Lanman
Mr. Patrick L. Wilson/Ms. Nancy Ann Bell
Cu• •
y oi /e0f44 9 wee
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayor
FRANK E. HILL
Mayor Pro Tem
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilmember
JODY MURDOCK
Councilmember
GODFREY PERNELL, D.D.S.
Councilmember
August 18, 1997
Mr. Stanley Lamport
Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP
2049 Century Park East, 28th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067-3284
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX: (310) 377-7288
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 545A, CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED REQUESTS FOR SITE PLAN
REVIEW APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE TO PERMIT AN ENCROACHMENT INTO THE FRONT
YARD SETBACK FOR A STABLE AND CORRAL BY THE INABILITY
OF THE COMMISSION TO MAKE AFFIRMATIVE FINDINGS ON
THE APPLICATIONS BY MAJORITY VOTE. MS. KELLY TSOU, 6
RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF).
Dear Mr. Lamport:
We received your correspondence dated August 14, 1997, requesting that the City
Council continue the appeal of the above referenced case to September 8, 1997.
This request will be presented to the City Council on August 25th. I anticipate that
the City Council will approve this continuance as you are preparing responses to
concerns that were expressed at a previous City Council meeting.
s.
Printed on Recycled Paper.
• I
Mr. Stanley Lamport
August 18, 1997
Page 2
We will inform you of the City Council action on Tuesday, August 26th. Should
you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
V bk
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
08/18/971amport.ltr
cc: City Council
City Attorney
Lola Ungar, Planning Director
Mr. Robert Thomas, LA County
•
City o/ ie0m,4 _ue�
JODY MURDOCK
Mayor
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayor Pro Tem
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilmember
FRANK E. HILL
Councilmember
GODFREY PERNELL, D.D.S.
Councilmember
March 25, 1997
Ms. Kelly Tsou •
4 Ringbit Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377.1521
FAX: (310) 377.7288
E-mail: cityofrh@aol.com
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 545A, CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED REQUESTS FOR SITE PLAN
REVIEW APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A N E W
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE TO PERMIT AN ENCROACHMENT INTO THE FRONT
YARD SETBACK FOR A STABLE AND CORRAL BY THE INABILITY
OF THE COMMISSION TO MAKE AFFIRMATIVE FINDINGS ON
THE APPLICATIONS BY MAJORITY VOTE.
MS. KELLY TSOU, 6 RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF)
Dear Ms. Tsou:
Members of the Rolling Hills City Council opened the public hearing regarding the
above referenced Zoning Case and continued the public hearing to an adjourned
regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 27, 1997 at your request.
On May 27th, your appeal will be presented to the City Council beginning at 7:30
p.m. in the Rolling Hills City Council Chambers, 2 Portuguese Bend Road. Your
attendance at that meeting will be appreciated.
If there is any information you would like to submit to the City to be included in the
staff report, please submit that material to the City no later than Wednesday, May 21,
1997 at 12:00 noon.
®Printed on Recycled Paper.
i a
Ms. Kelly Tsou
March 25, 1997
Page 2
Should you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you for
your cooperation.
Sincerely,
574 /I%
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
03/25/97tsou.ltr
cc: Lola Ungar, Principal Planner
Stanley W. Lamport
Doug McHattie
Roger North
Dr. and Mrs. Marrone
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Lanman
Ms. Leslie Dederer
Mr. Charles Raine
Ms. Sandra Heitzler
•
Ciy (I RO/fiL wee,
July 18, 1996
Ms. Kelly Tsou and Mr. Ching Sung Tsou
4 Ringbit Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
SUBJECT: NEW APPLICATION FOR A PROJECT AT
6 RINGBIT ROAD WEST (LOT 3-A-2-SF)
Dear Ms. and Mr. Tsou:
•
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX: (310) 377-7288
E-mail: cityotrh@aol.com
This letter shall serve as official notification that I have reviewed your new plans and
accompanying information and determined, after consultation with the Planning Commission on
July 16, 1996, that the proposal for a residential project that was recently submitted is
sufficiently dissimilar to the prior application to allow you to reapply within twelve months
from the prior denial (Rolling Hills Municipal Code Section 17.30.040).
The previous proposal was denied upon appeal to the City Council on May 28,1996 in Zoning
Case No. 529A. The newly submitted plan includes an enlargement of the building pad, a
reduction in the amount of grading, a reduction in the height of the building pad, a relocation of
the structure, a removal of the retaining wall in the front yard setback that required a Variance,
and a removal of the stable in the front yard setback. These changes constitute a sufficient
basis to find the proposed application is not the same as the prior application and thus meets
the standard for permitting a reapplication within twelve months from the prior denial.
The amended project will require a Variance to permit the location of a future stable and corral
within the front yard [Sections 17.16.200(A) and 17.38,] and Site Plan Review for the
construction of a new single family residence and attached garage (Section 17.46).
We will be happy to prepare an application packet for you. We have enclosed a copy of the
1996 Planning Commission Filing Deadline and Meeting Schedule. Feel free to call me or
Principal Planner Lola Ungar at (310) 377-1521 if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
,//11/i
CRAIG R. NEALIS
CITY MANAGER
cc: Members of the City Council
Members of the Planning Commission
Ms. Lola Ungar, Principal Planner
Mr. Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
Mr. Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney
Ms. Peggy Minor, Rolling Hills Community Association Manager
Mr. Stanley Lamport, Attorney
Mr. Douglas McHattie, South Bay Engineering
Printed on Recycled Paper.
C41 o/ RO[%nv.J h/z
1996
PLANNING COMMISSION
FILING DEADLINE AND MEETING SCHEDULE
January
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
2 - Tuesday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
16 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
February
5 - Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
20 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
March
4 - Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
19 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
April
1- Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
16 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
May
6 - Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
21- Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
June
3 - Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
18 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
July
1- Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
16 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
August
5 - Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
20 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
September
3 - Tuesday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
17 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
October
7 - Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
15 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
November
4 - Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
19 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
December
2 - Monday at 4:30 PM Filing Deadline For Next Month's Meeting
17 - Tuesday at 7:30 PM Planning Commission Meeting
11/29/95/Imu/FORMS
• •
C1i, opeo eenS �aeP
JODY MURDOCK
Mayor
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayor Pro Tem
TNOMAS.F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilmember
FRANK E. HILL
Councilmember
GODFREY PERNELL, D.D.S.
Councilmember
May 29, 1996
Ms. Kelly Tsou
Mr. Ching Sung Tsou
6 Ringbit Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377.7288
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 782: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DENYING A REQUEST FOR SITE
PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, DENYING A REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK TO
CONSTRUCT A STABLE AND CORRAL, AND DENYING A
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT
YARD SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT RETAINING WALLS IN ZONING
CASE NO. 529A.
Dear Ms. Tsou and Mr. Tsou:
Resolution No. 782 was adopted by members of the Rolling Hills City Council at
their adjourned regular meeting held Tuesday, May 28, 1996. This resolution
memorializes the denial of your appeal and upholds the decision of the Planning
Commission regarding this application. A copy of the staff report and resolution is
enclosed for your records.
Rolling Hills Municipal Code Section 17.30.040 entitled "Time Period for Re-
application" establishes the parameters in which a new application may be filed.
We have enclosed a copy of that Municipal Code Section for your information.
• •
Ms. Kelly Tsou
Mr. Ching Sung Tsou
May 29,1996
Page 2
Should you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to call. Your
cooperation has been appreciated.
Sincerely,
hic4
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
ts)u.ltr
cc: Ms. Lola Ungar, Principal Planner
City Attorney
Mr. Stanley Lamport
Mr. Doug McHattie
Ms. Peggy Minor, RHCA Manager
RESOLUTION 0.782
•
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
DENYING A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, DENYING A
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD
SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT A STABLE AND CORRAL, AND DENYING A
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD
SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT RETAINING WALLS IN ZONING CASE NO.
529A.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY FIND,
RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Requests have been filed by Ms. Kelly Tsou & Mr. Ching Sung Tsou with
respect to real property located at 6 Ringbit Road West (Lot 8-A-2-SF), Rolling Hills,
requesting a Variance to permit encroachment into the front yard setback to construct a
stable, corral and retaining walls; and Site Plan Review of a proposed new residence.
Section 2. On March 9, 1996, the Planning Commission approved Resolution No.
96-6 denying a request for a variance to encroach into the front yard setback to construct a
stable and corral, and denying a request for a variance to encroach into the front yard
setback to construct retaining walls. During the hearing process, the Commission
discussed concerns related to the size of the building pad, the fragility of the hillside,
amount of grading, drainage and hydrology within the immediate vicinity and in a wider
area, and the restoration of native plants removed during the land development process.
Evidence was heard and presented from all persons interested in affecting said proposal,
from all persons protesting the same, and from members of the City staff and the Planning
Commission having reviewed, analyzed and studied said proposal.
Section 3. On March 25, 1996, an appeal was filed to the City Council. The Council
conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider the appeal on April 8, 1996, April 22,
1996, and May 13, 1996 and at a field trip visit on April 29, 1996. During the hearing
process, the Council discussed concerns related to the size of the building pad, the fragility
of the hillside, amount of grading, and the drainage and hydrology within the immediate
vicinity and in a wider area and other issues. Evidence was heard and presented from all
persons interested in affecting said proposal, from all persons protesting the same, and
from members of the City staff and the City Council having reviewed, analyzed and
studied said proposal.
Section 4. The City Council finds that the project qualifies as a Class 3 Exemption
(State CA Guidelines, Section 15301(e)) and is therefore categorically exempt from
environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Section 5. Section 17.46.030 requires a development plan to be submitted for site
plan review and approval before any building or structure may be constructed or any
expansion, addition, alteration or repair to existing buildings may be made which involve
changes to grading or an increase to the size of the building or structure by at least 1,000
square feet and has the effect of increasing the size of the building by more than twenty-
five percent (25%) in any thirty-six (36) month period.
With respect to the Site Plan Review application, the City Council makes the following
findings of fact:
A. The proposed development includes a single family residence and attached
garage. The residence is proposed to be 3,650 square feet, the garage is proposed to be 760
square feet, the stable is proposed to be 450 square feet and the service yard is proposed to be
96 square feet. The structural lot coverage proposed is 4,860 square feet or 4.0% and the
total lot coverage proposed is 9,545 square feet or 7.8%. The building pad coverage
proposed is 30.3%.
B. The granting of the request for the Site Plan Review would not be consistent
with the purposes and objectives of the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan. Grading to
create a 16,060 square foot building pad would require that 3,150 cubic yards of cut soil and
3,150 cubic yards of fill soil be moved to raise the building pad up to 11 feet at this hillside
lot. The proposed structure does not comply with the General Plan requirement of
maintaining strict grading practiSand low profile residential developmentSterns in
the community.
C. The development plan does not substantially preserve the natural and
undeveloped state of the lot by minimizing building coverage because the project causes
overdevelopment of the building pad due to the fact that a new pad must be created by
cutting into portions of the hillside that would raise and expand the building pad on what
is now a steep slope.
D. The proposed development does not minimize building coverage on the pad
and leaves little open space at the edges of the building pad. This makes the structure
more visually prominent on the building pad than appropriate for the existing
development pattern of the City.
E. Although the proposed structure is smaller than some recent residences
constructed in the City, the structure is not harmonious in scale and mass with the site.
This lack of appropriate scale is exacerbated by its prominent location and its proposed
development on a steep, fragile slope. For these reasons, the proposed development of the
building pad is too large for the lot and is not consistent with the goals, purposes, and
requirements of the Site Plan Review Ordinance.
F. The proposed development does not preserve and is not integrated into the
site design because existing natural topographic features of the lot including surrounding
native vegetation, mature trees, drainage courses, and land forms will be destroyed to
create a raised and enlarged building pad.
G. The project will not be consistent with the General Plan requirement to
maintain strict grading practices to preserve the community's natural terrain. The lot has
already been graded for a building pad and the additional grading proposed is not necessary
for development of a residential structure and would create a further detrimental visual
impact due to the prominence and unique location of the site.
H. The development plan does not follow the natural contours of the site to
minimize grading because grading will be required to develop a larger building pad that
involves extensive grading to raise the level of the building pad up to 11 feet. The
property could be developed with less grading and with a smaller structure so that
extensive grading would not be required.
Section 6. Based upon the foregoing findings, the City Council hereby denies the
Site Plan Review application for Zoning Case No. 529A for a proposed residential
development.
Section 7. Sections 17.38.010 through 17.38.050 of the Rolling Hills Municipal
Code permit approval of a Variance from the standards and requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance when exceptional or extraordinary circumstances applicable to the property and
not applicable to other similar properties in the same zone prevent the owner from
making use of a parcel of property to the same extent enjoyed by similar properties in the
same vicinity. A Variance to Sections 17.16.200(A)(3), 17.16.110, and 17.16.150 is required
because these sections state that corrals or pens not be located in the front yard, that every
parcel in the RA-S zone shall have a front yard of not less than 50 feet, measured
horizontally from the front easement line; and that required yards be maintained
unoccupied from the ground up of any structures. The applicants are requesting a
Variance to encroach up to 35 feet into the 50 foot front yard setback to construct a 450
square foot stable and a 550 square foot corral within the front yard setback. With respect to
this request for a Variance, the Planning Commission finds as follows:
A. Due to the denial by the City Council of the Site Plan Review application for
this project, there is no approved site plan to which this Variance would apply and the City
Council is unable to make affirmative findings for approval of this Variance.
B. In addition, there are no exceptional and extraordinary circumstances and
conditions applicable to the property or to the intended use that do not apply generally to
the other property or class of use in the same zone because the property could be developed
with less extensive grading and residential development.
Resolution No. 782 -2-
•
C. The Variance is not necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a
substantial property right possessed by other property in the same vicinity and zone, but
which is denied to the property in question. The Variance is not necessary because the
General Plan and Zoning Ordinance discourage unnecessary grading and require that the
City maintain strict grading practices to preserve the community's natural terrain.
D. The granting of the Variance would be materially detrimental to the public
welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such vicinity and zone in which
the property is located. The Variance will permit the construction of a stable and corral
which will impact the neighboring properties because raising the building pad for the
project will require unnecessary grading on a very fragile hillside that drains to the more
fragile Flying Triangle Active Landslide Area.
Section 8. Based upon the foregoing findings, the City Council hereby denies the
Variance for Zoning Case No. 529A to permit the construction of a 450 square foot stable
and a 550 square foot corral to encroach up to 35 feet into the front yard setback.
Section 9. A Variance to Sections 17.16.110 and 17.16.150 is required to construct
retaining walls that will encroach up to 10.5 feet into the fifty (50) foot front yard setback, a
total of 90 feet in length, that will not be more than 5 feet in height at any one point. With
respect to this request for a Variance, the Planning Commission finds as follows:
A. Due to the denial by the City Council of the Site Plan Review application for
this project, there is no approved site plan to attach to this Variance and the Planning
Commission is unable to make affirmative findings for approval of this Variance.
B. In addition, there are no exceptional and extraordinary circumstances and
conditions applicable to the property or to the intended use that do not apply generally to
the other property or class of use in the same zone because the property could be developed
with less grading and with a smaller structure so that a retaining wall would not be
required.
C. The Variance is not necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a
substantial property right possessed by other property in the same vicinity and zone, but
which is denied to the property in question. The Variance is not necessary because the
General Plan and Zoning Ordinance discourage prominent structures on a slope and the
property could be developed with less extensive grading and a smaller pad area thereby
reducing the length and extent of the proposed wall.
D. The granting of the Variance would be materially detrimental to the public
welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such vicinity and zone in which
the property is located. The Variance will permit the construction of retaining walls which
impact the neighboring properties and will allow the building pad to be increased in size
and height in contravention to the low -profile development pattern in the community
and the General Plan provisions intended to continue that development plan.
Section 10. Based upon the foregoing findings, the City Council hereby denies the
Variance for Zoning Case No. 529A to permit the construction of a 90-foot long retaining
wall that will not exceed 5 feet in height that will encroach a maximum of 10.5 feet into the
front yard setback.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 28TH DAY OF MAY, 1996. •
)OD•Mi'
ATTEST:
K -ems-✓
MARILY L. KERN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
D MAYOR CR
Resolution No. 782 -3-
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
•
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 782 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
DENYING A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, DENYING A
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD
SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT A STABLE AND CORRAL, AND DENYING A
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD
SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT RETAINING WALLS IN ZONING CASE NO.
529A.
was approved and adopted at an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission
on May 28,1996 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Hill, Pernell, Mayor Pro Tem Lay
and Mayor Murdock. 't
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Counci lmember Heinsheimer .
ABSTAIN: None.
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
DEPUTY CITY CLERK
Resolution No. 782 -4-
•
17.•.030--17.34.010
17.30.040 Time period for reapplication. Whenever an
application has been denied and the denial becomes final,
no new application for the same or similar request shall be
accepted within one year of the denial date, unless the
City Manager, after consultation with the Planning Commis-
sion, finds that a sufficient change in circumstances has
occurred to warrant a new application. (Ord. 239
§11(part), 1993).
218-24 (Rolling Hills 5/94)
• •
City 0/ Roiling
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS. CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377.7288
Agenda Item No.: 7.B.
Mtg. Date: 5/28/96
DATE: MAY 28,1996
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
ATTN: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LOLA M. UNGAR, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 782: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DENYING A REQUEST FOR SITE
PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, DENYING A REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK TO
CONSTRUCT A STABLE AND CORRAL, AND DENYING A
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT
YARD SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT RETAINING WALLS IN ZONING
CASE NO. 529A.
Ms. Kelly Tsou & Mr. Ching Sung Tsou, 6 Ringbit Road West
(Lot 8-A-2-SF)
BACKGROUND
At the May 13, 1996 meeting, the City Council denied the appeal for the proposed
project and upheld the decision of the Planning Commission. Staff has prepared the
attached resolution memorializing this action of the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No. 782.
• •
RESOLUTION NO. 782
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS DENYING A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE,
DENYING A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO
THE FRONT YARD SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT A STABLE AND
CORRAL, AND DENYING A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO
ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT
RETAINING WALLS IN ZONING CASE NO. 529A.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY FIND,
RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Requests have been filed by Ms. Kelly Tsou & Mr. Ching Sung
Tsou with respect to real property located at 6 Ringbit Road West (Lot 8-A-2-SF),
Rolling Hills, requesting a Variance to permit encroachment into the front yard
setback to construct a stable, corral and retaining walls; and Site Plan Review of a
proposed new residence.
Section 2. On March 9, 1996, the Planning Commission approved
Resolution No. 96-6 denying a request for a variance to encroach into the front yard
setback to construct a stable and corral, and denying a request for a variance to
encroach into the front yard setback to construct retaining walls. During the hearing
process, the Commission discussed concerns related to the size of the building pad,
the fragility of the hillside, amount of grading, drainage and hydrology within the
immediate vicinity and in a wider area, and the restoration of native plants
removed during the land development process. Evidence was heard and presented
from all persons interested in affecting said proposal, from all persons protesting the
same, and from members of the City staff and the Planning Commission having
reviewed, analyzed and studied said proposal.
Section 3. On March 25, 1996, an appeal was filed to the City Council. The
Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider the appeal on April 8,
1996, April 22, 1996, and May 13, 1996 and at a field trip visit on April 29, 1996.
During the hearing process, the Council discussed concerns related to the size of the
building pad, the fragility of the hillside, amount of grading, and the drainage and
hydrology within the immediate vicinity and in a wider area and other issues.
Evidence was heard and presented from all persons interested in affecting said
proposal, from all persons protesting the same, and from members of the City staff
and the City Council having reviewed, analyzed and studied said proposal.
Section 4. The City Council finds that the project qualifies as a Class 3
Exemption (State CA Guidelines, Section 15301(e)) and is therefore categorically
exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality
Act.
• •
DRAFT
Section 5, Section 17.46.030 requires a development plan to be submitted
for site plan review and approval before any building or structure may be
constructed or any expansion, addition, alteration or repair to existing buildings may
be made which involve changes to grading or an increase to the size of the building
or structure by at least 1,000 square feet and has the effect of increasing the size of the
building by more than twenty-five percent (25%) in any thirty-six (36) month period.
With respect to the Site Plan Review application, the City Council makes the
following findings of fact:
A. The proposed development includes a single family residence and
attached garage. The residence is proposed to be 3,650 square feet, the garage is
proposed to be 760 square feet, the stable is proposed to be 450 square feet and the
service yard is proposed to be 96 square feet. The structural lot coverage proposed is
4,860 square feet or 4.0% and the total lot coverage proposed is 9,545 square feet or
7.8%. The building pad coverage proposed is 30.3%.
B. The granting of the request for the Site Plan Review would not be
consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Zoning Ordinance and General
Plan. Grading to create a 16,060 square foot building pad would require that 3,150
cubic yards of cut soil and 3,150 cubic yards of fill soil be moved to raise the building
pad up to 11 feet at this hillside lot. The proposed structure does not comply with
the General Plan requirement of maintaining strict grading practices and low profile
residential development patterns in the community.
C. The development plan does not substantially preserve the natural and
undeveloped state of the lot by minimizing building coverage because the project
causes overdevelopment of the building pad due to the fact that a new pad must be
created by cutting into portions of the hillside that would raise and expand the
building pad on what is now a steep slope.
D. The proposed development does not minimize building coverage on
the pad and leaves little open space at the edges of the building pad. This makes the
structure more visually prominent on the building pad than appropriate for the
existing development pattern of the City.
E. Although the proposed structure is smaller than some recent
residences constructed in the City, the structure is not harmonious in scale and mass
with the site. This lack of appropriate scale is exacerbated by its prominent location
and its proposed development on a steep, fragile slope. For these reasons, the
proposed development of the building pad is too large for the lot and is not
consistent with the goals, purposes, and requirements of the Site Plan Review
Ordinance.
F. The proposed development does not preserve and is not integrated
into the site design because existing natural topographic features of the lot including
RESOLUTION NO. 782
PAGE 2 OF 5
DRAFT
surrounding native vegetation, mature trees, drainage courses, and land forms will
be destroyed to create a raised and enlarged building pad.
G. The project will not be consistent with the General Plan requirement to
maintain strict grading practices to preserve the community's natural terrain. The
lot has already been graded for a building pad and the additional grading proposed is
not necessary for development of a residential structure and would create a further
detrimental visual impact due to the prominence and unique location of the site.
H. The development plan does not follow the natural contours of the site
to minimize grading because grading will be required to develop a larger building
pad that involves extensive grading to raise the level of the building pad up to 11
feet. The property could be developed with less grading and with a smaller structure
so that extensive grading would not be required.
Section 6. Based upon the foregoing findings, the City Council hereby
denies the Site Plan Review application for Zoning Case No. 529A for a proposed
residential development.
Section 7. Sections 17.38.010 through 17.38.050 of the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code permit approval of a Variance from the standards and
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance when exceptional or extraordinary
circumstances applicable to the property and not applicable to other similar
properties in the same zone prevent the owner from making use of a parcel of
property to the same extent enjoyed by similar properties in the same vicinity. A
Variance to Sections 17.16.200(A)(3), 17.16.110, and 17.16.150 is required because these
sections state that corrals or pens not be located in the front yard, that every parcel in
the RA-S zone shall have a front yard of not less than 50 feet, measured horizontally
from the front easement line; and that required yards be maintained unoccupied
from the ground up of any structures. The applicants are requesting a Variance to
encroach up to 35 feet into the 50 foot front yard setback to construct a 450 square
foot stable and a 550 square foot corral within the front yard setback. With respect to
this request for a Variance, the Planning Commission finds as follows:
A. Due to the denial by the City Council of the Site Plan Review
application for this project, there is no approved site plan to which this Variance
would apply and the City Council is unable to make affirmative findings for
approval of this Variance.
B. In addition, there are no exceptional and extraordinary circumstances
and conditions applicable to the property or to the intended use that do not apply
generally to the other property or class of use in the same zone because the property
could be developed with less extensive grading and residential development.
C. The Variance is not necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a
substantial property right possessed by other property in the same vicinity and zone,
RESOLUTION NO. 782
PAGE 3 OF 5
• •
DRAFT
but which is denied to the property in question. The Variance is not necessary
because the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance discourage unnecessary grading
and require that the City maintain strict grading practices to preserve the
community's natural terrain.
D. The granting of the Variance would be materially detrimental to the
public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such vicinity and
zone in which the property is located. The Variance will permit the construction of
a stable and corral which will impact the neighboring properties because raising the
building pad for the project will require unnecessary grading on a very fragile
hillside that drains to the more fragile Flying Triangle Active Landslide Area.
Section 8. Based upon the foregoing findings, the City Council hereby
denies the Variance for Zoning Case No. 529A to permit the construction of a 450
square foot stable and a 550 square foot corral to encroach up to 35 feet into the front
yard setback.
Section 9. A Variance to Sections 17.16.110 and 17.16.150 is required to
construct retaining walls that will encroach up to 10.5 feet into the fifty (50) foot
front yard setback, a total of 90 feet in length, that will not be more than 5 feet in
height at any one point. With respect to this request for a Variance, the Planning
Commission finds as follows:
A. Due to the denial by the City Council of the Site Plan Review
application for this project, there is no approved site plan to attach to this Variance
and the Planning Commission is unable to make affirmative findings for approval
of this Variance.
B. In addition, there are no exceptional and extraordinary circumstances
and conditions applicable to the property or to the intended use that do not apply
generally to the other property or class of use in the same zone because the property
could be developed with less grading and with a smaller structure so that a retaining
wall would not be required.
C. The Variance is not necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a
substantial property right possessed by other property in the same vicinity and zone,
but which is denied to the property in question. The Variance is not necessary
because the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance discourage prominent structures
on a slope and the property could be developed with less extensive grading and a
smaller pad area thereby reducing the length and extent of the proposed wall.
D. The granting of the Variance would be materially detrimental to the
public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such vicinity and
zone in which the property is located. The Variance will permit the construction of
retaining walls which impact the neighboring properties and will allow the building
pad to be increased in size and height in contravention to the low -profile
RESOLUTION NO. 782
PAGE 4 OF 5
DRAFT
development pattern in the community and the General Plan provisions intended
to continue that development plan.
Section 10. Based upon the foregoing findings, the City Council hereby
denies the Variance for Zoning Case No. 529A to permit the construction of a 90-
foot long retaining wall that will not exceed 5 feet in height that will encroach a
maximum of 10.5 feet into the front yard setback.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 28TH DAY OF MAY, 1996.
JODY MURDOCK, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MARILYN L. KERN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
) §§
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 782 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
DENYING A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, DENYING A
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD
SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT A STABLE AND CORRAL, AND DENYING A
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD
SETBACK TO CONSTRUCT RETAINING WALLS IN ZONING CASE NO.
529A.
was approved and adopted at an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission on
May 28,1996 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
DEPUTY CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 782
PAGE 5 OF 5
• •
Ci1y o/ RO/I q Jh//?
JODY MURDOCK
Mayor
B. ALLEN LAY
Mayor Pro Tern
THOMAS F. HEINSHEIMER
Councilmember
FRANK E. HILL
Councilmember
GODFREY PERNELL, D.D.S.
Councilmember
May 14,1996
Ms. Kelly Tsou
4 Ringbit Road West
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD •
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX: (310) 377-7288
SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 529A
CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION
DENIED REQUESTS FOR A VARIANCE TO PERMIT RETAINING
WALLS TO ENCROACH INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK, A
VARIANCE TO PERMIT A FUTURE STABLE TO ENCROACH INTO
THE FRONT YARD SETBACK, AND SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND
ATTACHED GARAGE.
MS. KELLY TSOU & MR. CHING SUNG TSOU, 6 RINGBIT ROAD
WEST (LOT 8-A-2-SF).
Dear Ms. Tsou:
At the Regular Meeting of the Rolling Hills City Council held Monday, May 13, 1996,
the City Council closed the public hearing and upheld the decision of the Planning
Commission relative to the denial of your request for specific variances and Site
Plan Review for construction of a new single family residence and attached garage at
6 Ringbit Road West.
A Resolution memorializing this City Council action will be prepared and presented
to the City Council at their Regular Adjourned Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May
28, 1996, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Rolling Hills City Council Chambers, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills.
•
Ms. Kelly Tsou
May 14,1996
Page 2
Should you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
(5A. 14
Craig R. Nealis
City Manager
CRN:mlk
05/14/96tsou.ltr
cc: City Council
Michael Jenkins
Stanley Lamport
Doug McHattie
Peggy Minor, RHCA Manager
Lola Ungar, Principal Planner